Sydney Sweeney bares it all with gold body paint on new W magazine cover

After a year of provocative fashion moments and headline-making campaigns, the Hollywood star appears nude on W’s latest cover, her body painted gold in a look inspired by classic cinema, while reflecting on her career and style regrets

Actress Sydney Sydney Sweeney is opening 2026 with a bold new cover for the American fashion magazine W. Over the past year, Sweeney, 28, has cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most talked-about and provocative stars through a daring denim campaign for American Eagle and revealing red carpet looks.

Now she appears fully nude on the new cover, her body “clothed” only in gold body paint and an oversized necklace by luxury jewelry brand Chopard. The overall look references classic Hollywood of the 1940s and 1950s, evoking icons such as Marilyn Monroe through its styling and hair, and continuing Sydney Sweeney’s ongoing flirtation with sexuality and nudity.

The new W cover is part of the magazine’s annual February actors issue, released each year during awards season. Alongside Sydney Sweeney, this year’s edition features Jacob Elordi, Elle Fanning, George Clooney, Emma Stone and others.

Sweeney’s cover was photographed by rising photographer Tyrone Lebon, who captured her in an artistic style resembling a golden Oscar statuette.

In the accompanying interview, Sydney Sweeney reflects on the past year, which included a range of demanding roles, among them her portrayal of a boxer in the film “Christy,” as well as her role in “The Housemaid,” which was recently released and received mixed reviews, to put it mildly.

That may help explain why she was left off this year’s list of Golden Globe nominations, with the ceremony set to take place next week, as well as other awards events scheduled in the near future.

Sydney Sweeney also shared personal and family details. She noted, for example, that her younger brother serves in the U.S. Air Force and is currently stationed in London. She also spoke about her fashion choices over the years and reflected on one particular regret.

“I’ve been wearing high heels for a very long time,” said Sweeney, who is 5 feet 3 inches tall. “When I was in middle school, I had a pair of Converse sneakers with platform heels because I loved sneakers but felt really short. They were an interesting choice, but not a good one. Sorry, Converse.”

The cover has already sparked wide conversation online, with fans praising its artistic direction while others debate its boldness. Fashion critics note that Sydney Sweeney continues to push against the limits of how young actresses are expected to present themselves in public. By blending glamour with vulnerability, the image leans more toward classic film imagery than shock value. Supporters argue that the choice feels controlled and intentional, placing her in the tradition of old Hollywood icons who used style and confidence as tools of self expression rather than simple attention.

Beyond the visuals, the interview highlights Sweeney’s growing focus on choosing complex roles over safe ones. She has spoken in recent months about wanting characters that test her emotionally and physically, even when the outcome is uncertain. Industry insiders say this approach may slow down awards recognition in the short term but could strengthen her reputation as a serious actor in the long run. Her willingness to take risks, both on screen and in fashion, suggests a clear desire to shape her career on her own terms rather than follow a predictable path.

Sweeney’s openness about her family and background also adds depth to the public image often built around her. Mentioning her brother’s service and her own early struggles with confidence shifts the focus from celebrity to personal growth. Fans have responded warmly to these moments of honesty, seeing them as reminders that behind the headlines is a young woman still learning from past choices. Even her lighthearted regret about platform sneakers reflects a self awareness that contrasts with the high fashion image seen on magazine covers.

As awards season continues, the W cover places Sydney Sweeney firmly in the cultural spotlight, regardless of nominations. Whether praised or questioned, the image reinforces her role as one of the most discussed figures in entertainment today. More than a fashion statement, it marks a moment of reflection for an actress balancing ambition, image, and identity. For Sydney, the cover seems less about provocation and more about ownership of her story, one bold decision at a time.

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Sydney Sweeney, W Magazine, Celebrity Fashion, Hollywood Covers, Awards Season, Actress Interview, Modern Hollywood, Fashion Photography, Classic Cinema Style, Entertainment News